Safety equipment found lacking in some boats

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Safety equipment found lacking in some boats
(Released August 16, 2010)


The safety of Minnesota boaters is a top priority. Conservation officers with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) want to see more folks taking the necessary precautions the rest of the summer to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.

Related Links:
Boating Guide

More information

 
A few areas are of particular concern.

“I regularly see three problems,” Milaca-based DNR Conservation Officer David Schottenbauer said. “Folks take the boat out and forget the life jackets. Or they are unaware they need a throwable personal flotation device (PFD), like a boater’s cushion, for boats 16 feet and longer. Also, boaters incorrectly assume that a boat cushion counts as a primary flotation device.”

Regardless of length, all boats except sailboats (including canoes, kayaks and duck boats), must have a readily accessible U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable PFD for each person on board.

Also, any boat 16 feet or longer (except canoes and kayaks) must have onboard a readily accessible Coast Guard approved Type IV throwable flotation device, such as a boat cushion or ring buoy. Lack of a throwable device is a common boating law violation.

The good news is that children under 10 are doing a great job wearing their life jackets while boating, in compliance with the Minnesota law that became effective in 2005. Exceptions include being on a boat with a licensed captain or a boat that is anchored and being used as a platform for swimming. Children below deck in a cabin cruiser are also exempt from this regulation.

The bad news is that officers report that some parents are buying unapproved flotation jackets, suits and swimming aids for their children to wear while boating. These do not fulfill legal requirements.

The DNR reminds adults to check the label for U.S. Coast Guard approval before putting a PFD on a child. Children found wearing their life vests while boating are eligible for a PFD Panda certificate. The certificates - good for a free Dairy Queen treat - are handed out by DNR conservation officers and county sheriff’s deputies.

Violations of any life jacket law involve fines and fees of more than $100 for each occurrence.

More boating safety information, including a copy of the “Minnesota Boating Guide,” is available by calling the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367.

View image of flotation devices.

Caption: DNR officers find many boats 16 feet and longer are not carrying the required throwable life saving device such as a boater’s seat cushion, ring buoy or a horseshoe buoy. (DNR photo).